AS you are aware, due to the lack of a written lease, the Liverpool Archdiocese were entitled 'legally' to repossess the St Austin's clubrooms, off Heath Street in Thatto Heath.

Despite the fact that over the years the members were responsible for the maintenance of the clubrooms and bowling green, we were unable to negotiate the use of our green to complete our 1999 fixture list with other teams in the St Helens, Prescot and pensioner leagues.

Other bowling clubs in the area have recognised our difficulties and have kindly offered the use of their facilities in order that we can fulfil our league fixtures for the current season.

With this in mind, we could be obliged if, through your columns, you would record our sincere thanks to the following: The Railway Hotel, Thatto Heath; The Brown Edge Inn, Nutgrove; Parish Church bowling club; The St Helens Police bowling club and Plate Works bowling club. The men's bowling section would also like to record their appreciation for the support of the St Austin's ladies bowling team, who I understand, have been offered the use of our green, but have declined the offer in order that they could demonstrate their support for their male counterparts.

Finally, could we please extend our appreciation to the committee and members, of Thatto Heath British Legion, and Thatto Heath Labour Club, plus several other establishments in the area, who have warmly welcomed the members of the St Austin's club into their clubrooms.

Ray Connor, chairman St Austin's Bowling Section.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.